If your question has not been addressed, please concider submitting your question to a Body1 Hero in an upcoming chat by clicking here.
Question:
I have been told by several orthopedic doctors that my knees are ready to be replaced but I am too "young" yet. I was a runner between the ages of 33 and 43 and always had pain but it was in the latter age that it became sevear. Now it is debilitating and the pain is constant when bearing weight. What procedure would be best for me?
Question submitted by:
Jean LoTempio - buffaloj@tcsinternet.net
| Dr. Farr |
Dr. Farr is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee and sports medicine. He serves on the board of the Orthopedic Research Foundation and is medical director of www.cartilagerestoration.org and www.myknee.md, where emphasis is on exploring new ways to treat damaged cartilage. Dr. Farr is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
|
Answer:
You do not state your age and thus your concern of being "too young" for a joint replacement may or may not be a concern from an orthopedic viewpoint. The goal is to have the joint last as long as possible with as few revisions during your life as possible. Debilitating pain suggests serious consideration be made to identifying the cause of pain. If it is related to a degenerative knee, then further conversation with a joint replacement surgeon would be appropriate.
